Communication adapter device, communication adapter, method for write in nonvolatile memory, and electric apparatus used for the same, and rom writer

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a communication adapter apparatus that connects electrical apparatuses, sensors, and other apparatuses to a network. In order to obtain a communication adapter apparatus that is capable of realizing simplification of setting at the time of execution of works, simplification of execution of works, reduction of power consumption, and simplification of system setting, the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention is a communication adapter that connects one of plural connection object apparatuses having an apparatus object consisting of information, which is based on functions of the apparatuses, and operable control items, respectively and a network to which a controller for remotely controlling the connection object apparatus is connected, the communication adapter including: communication control means that controls transmission and reception of data to and from the network; apparatus communication managing means that copies and saves the apparatus object, saves a procedure for a communication service of the communication control means, and makes it possible to use the connection object apparatus from the network using these saved data; and apparatus interface means that is defined by standards common to all the apparatuses in order to make all the plural communication object apparatuses connectable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication adapter apparatus thatconnects electrical apparatuses, sensors, and other apparatuses to anetwork, an electrical apparatus incorporating an electricallyrewritable nonvolatile memory, a ROM writer that writes data in thisnonvolatile memory, and a writing method using the foregoing.

BACKGROUND ART

As described in JP-A-2002-44745 (page 5, paragraph 0050, and FIG. 1) andECHONET specification Ver1.10 (Section 7, page 3-1) issued by theECHONET consortium, a conventional communication adapter apparatus isconstituted by only a communication unit that communicates controlsignals for remote control. Functions for interpretation of the controlsignals and management of system information are mounted on homeappliance control units in home appliances.

In addition, as described in ECHONET specification Ver1.10 (Section 1,page 4-4, FIG. 4-1, form 4) issued by the ECHONET consortium, theconventional communication adapter apparatus incorporates a convertingfunction for existing communication interfaces having differentspecifications for each apparatus to realize remote control.

Further, as described in JP-A-01-228395 (page 3 and FIG. 2), in aconventional domestic control system, when attribute information (modelnames, power consumption, etc.) concerning loads such as airconditioners and lights are set in a communication adapter or when theattribute information set in the communication adapter is changedbecause of extension or the like of the system, code numbers of theloads have to be set using a DIP code switch every time the attributeinformation is changed. Since such setting using the DIP code switch iscomplicated work, as described in JP-A-06-68097 (FIG. 1), a domesticcontrol system, which sets code numbers in a communication adapter usingbarcodes and a barcode reader, has been proposed.

As described in JP-A-2-130799 (FIG. 1), in a method of writing data in anonvolatile memory, when a ROM writer is connected to a terminalapparatus via connecting means, a STBY terminal of an MPU in theterminal apparatus is connected to a ground terminal in the ROM writer.This brings the terminal apparatus into a standby state and makes itpossible to write a program in the terminal apparatus. Thus, update ofthe program for an EEPROM can be performed without soldering work.

However, since the conventional communication adapter apparatus does nothave common interface mean to communication control means, there is aproblem in that the communication control means cannot be changedaccording to a type of a network.

Since it is necessary to incorporate communication management andcontrol programs for remote control in a control device in an apparatus,there is a problem in that burdens on resources such as microcomputersand cost of the resources increase.

Since the communication adapter is required to function together with anapparatus, there is a problem in that various kinds of system settingcannot be performed unless all apparatuses come into an operating stateat the time of execution of works.

Since an adapter itself holds communication installation information,when the adapter is replaced because of a failure or the like, there isa problem in that complicated work of resetting for the adapter involvedin resetting for a system is required.

When abnormality of the system occurs, since a control function isincorporated in the apparatus, there is a problem in that it isdifficult to judge whether the adapter is abnormal or the apparatus isbroken down.

When it is attempted to have power supply from home appliances forsimplification of execution of works, there no function for power supplymanagement and no means for providing and controlling information andthere is no means for controlling functions of respective units. Thus,there is a problem in that it is essential to supply power to therespective units constituting the communication adapter and cost ofpower supply circuits of the home appliances increases.

For the setting of attribute information such as model names and powerconsumption of connected home appliances and the change of settinginvolved in extension of the system, the barcodes and the barcode readerare required and time and labor consuming work using the barcodes andthe barcode reader is required.

Since only the ground terminal is disposed in the ROM writer, theconventional ROM writer, the conventional electrical apparatus, and theconventional writing method using the ROM writer and the electricalapparatuses can be applied to an apparatus incorporating a microcomputerthat changes to a writing mode when the microcomputer is pulled down toa ground level but cannot be applied to an apparatus incorporating amicrocomputer that changes to a writing mode when the microcomputer ispulled up to a predetermined voltage. As a result, in writing, it isnecessary to provide a ROM writer according to specifications of amicrocomputer incorporated in the apparatus.

The invention has been devised in order to solve such problems and it isan object of the invention to provide a communication adapter apparatusthat gives common interface means to communication control means and iscapable of changing the communication control means according to a typeof a network.

It is another object of the invention to provide a communication adapterapparatus for home appliances connectable to a network with littleburden on resources such as microcomputers of the home appliances andlittle increase in cost of the resources.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a communicationadapter apparatus for which execution of works is simplified and it ispossible to perform various kinds of system setting without connectinghome appliances in an operating state to the communication adapterapparatus.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a communicationadapter apparatus that does not require complicated work such as systemresetting at the time of replacement of the communication adapter and isreplaceable easily.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a communicationadapter apparatus that, when system abnormality occurs, makes itpossible to judge whether an adapter is abnormal or a home appliance isbroken down.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a communicationadapter apparatus for connecting home appliances through a network whilesaving power and without increasing cost of power supply to the homeappliances to be connected.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a communicationadapter that can automatically set attribute information on homeappliances without using barcodes and a barcode reader and, even if theattribute information is changed, can change the attribute informationeasily without using the barcodes and the barcode reader.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a ROM writer andan electrical apparatus with high universality that can be usedregardless of specifications of microcomputers, and a writing methodusing the ROM write and the electrical apparatus.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A communication adapter apparatus according to the invention is acommunication adapter that connects one of plural connection objectapparatuses having an apparatus object consisting of information, whichis based on functions of the apparatuses, and operable control items,respectively and a network to which a controller for remotelycontrolling the connection object apparatus is connected, thecommunication adapter including: communication control means thatcontrols transmission and reception of data to and from the network;apparatus communication managing means that copies and saves theapparatus object, saves a procedure for a communication service of thecommunication control means, and makes it possible to use the connectionobject apparatus from the network using these saved data; and apparatusinterface means that is defined by standards common to all theapparatuses in order to make all the plural communication objectapparatuses connectable.

The communication adapter apparatus according to the invention furtherincludes power supply managing means that manages a charged capacityinside an adapter, wherein the communication control means limitscommunication according to a management state of the power supplymanaging means.

The communication adapter apparatus according to the invention furtherincludes power supply managing means that manages a charged capacityinside an adapter, wherein the apparatus communication managing meanslimits accesses to the apparatus object according to a management stateof the power supply managing means.

In the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention, theapparatus communication managing means includes: an apparatus interfaceaccess unit that is usable according to a procedure common to theconnection object apparatuses; and an apparatus control access unit thatis usable from the communication control means according to the commonprocedure and also includes at least one of permitting/prohibiting meansthat permits or prohibits an access to the apparatus interface accessunit from the communication control unit and permitting/prohibitingmeans that permits or prohibits an access to the apparatus controlaccess unit from the apparatus interface means.

In the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention, theapparatus communication managing means includes: an apparatus interfaceaccess unit that is usable according to a procedure common to theconnection object apparatuses; and an apparatus control access unit thatis usable from the communication control means according to the commonprocedure, and each of the apparatus interface access unit and theapparatus control access unit includes at leas one of object managingmeans that performs management such as generation, deletion, andaddition of instances and classes of the apparatus object, stateacquisition procedure setting means that sets setting values held by theconnection object apparatuses, a procedure for acquiring a state, astate change, a periodical notification, and the like, installationinformation managing means that sets and provides information oninstallation or arrangement of the connection object apparatuses,network attribute managing means that sets and provides attributeinformation concerning the network, and network band managing means thatsets and provides information related to a communication band of thenetwork.

In the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention, theapparatus communication managing means is means that, when theconnection object apparatuses are not connected yet, generates animaginary apparatus object on the basis of a setting command,transmission of which is received via the network, and saves theimaginary apparatus object instead of the apparatus object.

In the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention, theapparatus communication managing means includes: an apparatus interfaceaccess unit that is usable according to a procedure common to theconnection object apparatuses; and an apparatus control access unit thatis usable from the communication control means according to the commonprocedure, and the apparatus communication managing means provides animaginary apparatus in the apparatus control access unit on the basis ofa setting command, transmission of which is received via the network,performs operation and setting for this imaginary apparatus andacquisition of a state involved in the operation and setting, andperforms setting for running and stop of the apparatus object andacquisition of a state involved in the setting with the apparatusinterface access unit.

In the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention, theapparatus communication managing means includes: an apparatus interfaceaccess unit that is usable according to a procedure common to theconnection object apparatuses; an apparatus control access unit that isusable from the communication control means according to the commonprocedure; and a database that holds installation information for theapparatus object and the like, and each of the apparatus interfaceaccess unit and the apparatus control access unit includeswriting/reading means that writes the installation information held bythe database in and reads out the installation information to theconnection object apparatuses.

The communication adapter apparatus according to the invention includes:an apparatus interface access unit that is usable according to aprocedure common to the connection object apparatuses; and an apparatuscontrol access unit that is usable from the communication control meansaccording to the common procedure, and each of the apparatus interfaceaccess unit and the apparatus control access unit includes abnormalitynotifying means that detects in which of the apparatus interface, thecommunication control means, the network interface means, and theapparatus object abnormality has occurred and provides the network orthe connection object apparatuses with information on the detectedabnormality.

The communication adapter apparatus according to the invention providesthe network with the abnormality information when data transmissionthrough the network is possible and provides the connection objectapparatuses with the abnormality information when data transmissionthrough the network is impossible.

In the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention, theapparatus communication managing means includes: an apparatus interfaceaccess unit that is usable according to a procedure common to theconnection object apparatuses; and an apparatus control access unit thatis usable from the communication control means according to the commonprocedure, and the apparatus communication managing means limitscommunication applies limitation on communication to the communicationcontrol means according to a state of the power supply managing meansusing at least one of the apparatus interface access unit and theapparatus control access unit.

A communication adapter according to the invention includes: aninput/output interface that is connected to a home appliance; a networkinterface that is connected to a network; a CPU that is connected to theinterfaces and performs exchange and processing of data; and a storagethat saves the data, wherein the storage has plural pieces of driversoftware for controlling hardware of the input/output interface for eachinput/output system and, when the input/output interface is connected tothe home appliance, the CPU distinguishes an input/output system for thehome appliance on the basis of voltage information supplied from thehome appliance via a specific terminal of the input/output interface andselects driver software corresponding to the input/output system.

A communication adapter according to the invention includes: aninput/output interface that is connected to a home appliance; a networkinterface that is connected to a network; a CPU that is connected to theinterfaces and performs exchange and processing of data; and a storagethat saves the data, wherein the storage has plural pieces of driversoftware for controlling hardware of the input/output interface for eachinput/output system, the input/output interface includes a secondspecific terminal that supplies a clock signal from the communicationadapter to the home appliance, and the CPU starts driver software of aserial input/output system of a clock synchronous type/asynchronous typein association with supply/non-supply of the clock signal and, on thebasis of a response returned from the home appliance at this point,selects driver software of the serial input/output system of one of theclock synchronous type/asynchronous type.

A communication adapter according to the invention includes: aninput/output interface that is connected to a home appliance; a networkinterface that is connected to a network; a CPU that is connected to theinterfaces and performs exchange and processing of data; and a storagethat saves the data, wherein the storage has plural pieces of driversoftware for controlling hardware of the input/output interface for eachinput/output system, and the communication adapter selects driversoftware held by the storage on the basis of a communication frame thatis sent from an electrical apparatus connected to the network.

A communication adapter according to the invention includes: aninput/output interface that is connected to a home appliance; a networkinterface that is connected to a network; a CPU that is connected to theinterfaces and performs exchange and processing of data; and a storagethat saves the data, wherein the storage has plural pieces of driversoftware for controlling hardware of the input/output interface for eachinput/output system, the storage holds attribute information consistingof items, model names, power consumption, and the like, which can bemonitored, controlled, and set from the network, for each of plural homeappliances, and the communication adapter selects one piece of theattribute information for the input/output interface on the basis of aresponse frame from the home appliance responding to the communicationframe sent from the input/output interface to the home appliance.

A communication adapter according to the invention includes: aninput/output interface that is connected to a home appliance; a networkinterface that is connected to a network; a CPU that is connected to theinterfaces and performs exchange and processing of data; and a storagethat saves the data, wherein the storage has plural pieces of driversoftware for controlling hardware of the input/output interface for eachinput/output system, the storage holds attribute information consistingof items, model names, power consumption, and the like, which can bemonitored, controlled, and set from the network, for each of plural homeappliances, and the communication adapter selects one piece of theattribute information on the basis of a communication frame sent from anelectrical apparatus connected to the network.

A method of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention is a writing method consisting of an electrical apparatusincorporating a nonvolatile memory in which data is rewritable when awriting control terminal is pulled down or pulled up to a predeterminedvoltage; and a ROM writer that writes data in this nonvolatile memory,wherein the electrical apparatus includes a generation circuit forgenerating the predetermined voltage and the ROM writer includes meansthat connects the predetermined voltage generated by the generationcircuit to the writing control terminal.

The electrical apparatus constituting the method of writing data in anonvolatile memory according to the invention has an interface includingthe writing control terminal and a voltage terminal that outputs thepredetermined voltage generated by the generation circuit.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention has an interface including means can be connected to theinterface and short-circuits the writing control terminal and thevoltage terminal when the means is connected to the interface.

A method of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention is a writing method consisting of an electrical apparatusincorporating a nonvolatile memory in which data is rewritable when awriting control terminal is pulled down or pulled up to a predeterminedvoltage; and a ROM writer that writes data in this nonvolatile memory,wherein the electrical apparatus has an interface including the writingcontrol terminal and a setting circuit for setting the writing controlterminal to the predetermined voltage, and the ROM writer has aninterface including trigger means that can be connected to the interfaceand turns ON the setting circuit when the trigger means is connected tothe interface.

The electrical apparatus constituting the method of writing data in anonvolatile memory according to the invention, wherein the settingcircuit is a circuit unit consisting of a light-receiving element thatturns ON/OFF an operation for setting the writing control terminal tothe predetermined voltage according to whether the light-receivingelement receives light of a specific wavelength exceeding apredetermined intensity.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention, wherein the trigger unit is a circuit unit consisting of alight-emitting element that irradiate light of a specific wavelength onthe light-receiving element.

The electrical apparatus constituting the method of writing data in anonvolatile memory according to the invention, wherein the settingcircuit is a circuit unit consisting of a relay for turning ON/OFF anoperation for setting the writing control terminal to the predeterminedvoltage according to whether the relay gives a specific current to acoil control line.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention, wherein the trigger unit is a circuit unit including avoltage terminal that gives a specific current to the coil control line.

The electrical apparatus constituting the method of writing data in anonvolatile memory according to the invention, wherein the settingcircuit is a circuit unit consisting of a mechanism switch that turnsON/OFF an operation for setting the writing control terminal to thepredetermined voltage according to whether the mechanism switch ispushed in.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention, wherein the trigger unit is a projection for pushing in themechanism switch.

The electrical apparatus constituting the method of writing data in anonvolatile memory according to the invention, wherein the settingcircuit is a circuit unit consisting of a thermostatic lead switch thatturns ON/OFF an operation for setting the writing control terminal tothe predetermined voltage according to whether the thermostatic leadswitch is heated.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention, wherein the trigger means is a heater for heating thethermostatic lead switch.

The electrical apparatus constituting the method of writing data in anonvolatile memory according to the invention, wherein the settingcircuit is a circuit unit consisting of a magnetic lead switch thatturns ON/OFF an operation for setting the writing control terminal tothe predetermined voltage according to whether magnetism is applied tothe magnetic lead switch.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention, wherein the trigger unit is a magnet or an electromagnet forapplying magnetism to the magnetic lead switch.

A method of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention is a writing method consisting of an electrical apparatusincorporating a nonvolatile memory in which data is rewritable when awriting control terminal is pulled down or pulled up to a predeterminedvoltage; and a ROM writer that rewrites data in this nonvolatile memory,wherein the electrical apparatus includes, in an interface, the writingcontrol terminal; switching means that switches the writing controlterminal to the predetermined voltage; a signal terminal; and separatingmeans that separates a signal inputted to the signal terminal into adata signal for writing and a trigger signal for controlling theswitching means, and the ROM writer includes an interface includingmeans that can be connected to the interface and outputs a synthesizeddata signal, which is obtained by synthesizing the data signal forwriting and the trigger signal for controlling the switching means, tothe signal terminal when the means is connected to the interface.

The electrical apparatus constituting the method of writing data in anonvolatile memory according to the invention, wherein the separatingmeans includes a low-pass filter and the switching means includes aflip-flop.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention, wherein the synthesized data signal is a logical product ofthe data signal for writing and a clock signal.

The ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatus constituting themethod of writing data in a nonvolatile memory according to theinvention, wherein the synthesized data signal is a signal in which astart bit signal and the data signal for writing are arranged in thisorder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto a sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto a seventh embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a communication adapter apparatus accordingto an eighth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of a system including acontroller according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a system diagram showing a relation among a communicationadapter, a home appliance, and a network according to a ninth embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which two home appliances withdifferent input/output formats are connected to the communicationadapter according to the ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram in which a home appliance with an input/outputinterface of a clock synchronization type is connected to acommunication adapter according to a tenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a procedure for referring to a homeappliance connected to a communication adapter according to an eleventhembodiment of the invention from a network.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a home appliance isconnected to an external network via an electrical apparatus (acommunication adapter) according to a twelfth embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of the electrical apparatus according to thetwelfth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation forwriting a program in a nonvolatile memory of another electricalapparatus according to the twelfth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of an electrical apparatus according to athirteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a structure of a part where the electricalapparatus and a ROM writer according to the thirteenth embodiment of theinvention are connected.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of an electrical apparatus according to afourteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of an electrical apparatus according to afifteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of an electrical apparatus according to asixteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of an electrical apparatus according to aseventeenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of an electrical apparatus according to aneighteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram explaining signal generation by a ROM writeraccording to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin a nonvolatile memory of an electrical apparatus according to thenineteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing another example of a signal generated bythe ROM writer according to the nineteenth embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of acommunication adapter apparatus according to a first embodiment of theinvention.

In the figure, an apparatus 1 is a home appliance, a sensor apparatus,or the like and has an apparatus object 2 consisting of informationpeculiar to the apparatus and operable control items.

A communication adapter apparatus 3 can use the apparatus object 2 inthe apparatus 1 via apparatus interface means 4 that is commonly definedfor the apparatus 1.

Apparatus communication managing means has functions for setting andoperation of the apparatus object 2 held by the apparatus 1 and othermanagement functions and is connected to communication control means 6according to a predetermined procedure for use.

The communication control means 6 has a control function concerningcommunication for, via network interface means 7 and a network 8,transmitting and receiving data to and from another apparatus connectedto the network.

An operation of the communication control means 6 will be explainednext.

A case in which an operation command is transmitted to the apparatus 1connected to the network 8 by the communication adapter apparatus 3 fromanother apparatus connected to the network will be explained.

The network interface means 7 receives an operation command from thenetwork 8 and passes the operation command to the communication controlmeans 6. The communication control means 6 carries out variousprocedures for reception in association with the network interface 7.Then, the communication control means converts the acquired operationcommand into a predetermined format in order to pass the operationcommand to apparatus communication managing means 5, performs apredetermined procedure, and passes the operation command to theapparatus communication managing means 5. The apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 analyzes the operation command and changes setting forcontrol items of the apparatus object 2 in the apparatus 1 using anapparatus interface 4 in order to set a control item of the apparatusobject 2 corresponding to the operation command.

The apparatus 1 detects that the setting for the control item of theapparatus object 2 has been changed and, after carrying out operationcorresponding to the control item, changes an information item changedby the operation. Here, a series of operation according to the operationcommand is completed.

Next, an operation in notifying another apparatus connected to thenetwork that the information item of the apparatus object 2 of theapparatus 1 has been changed will be explained. The apparatuscommunication managing means 5 periodically monitors information itemsof the apparatus object 2 using the apparatus interface means 4. When achange in the information items is detected, the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 generates a command notifying the change in theinformation items, creates the command in a predetermined format,executes a predetermined processing in association with thecommunication control means 6, and passes the command to thecommunication control means 6.

The communication control means 6 performs a procedure for transmittingthe command to the network 8 in association with the network interfacemeans 7 to complete the transmission of the command to another apparatusconnected to the network.

As described above, the apparatus communication control means 5 has amanagement function for the apparatus object 2 mounted on the apparatus1. Thus, processing functions realized by control means such as amicrocomputer held by the apparatus 1 are reduced and the communicationadapter apparatus 3 is added without imposing a burden on microcomputerresources, whereby it is possible to obtain an apparatus that isremotely operable from the network. In addition, since the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 defines means for connection with thecommunication control means 6 in a predetermined format and apredetermined procedure. Thus, for example, even when a change or thelike occurs in a communication protocol, there is also an advantage thata communication adapter apparatus with high universality capable ofchanging a protocol easily is obtained by creating a communicationcontrol unit according to a defined interface.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of acommunication adapter apparatus according to a second embodiment of theinvention. Components identical with or equivalent to those in FIG. 1are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different componentswill be explained. In the figure, power supply managing means 9 has afunction of managing a state of a power supply in the communicationadapter apparatus 3, for example, a usable residual amount of power. Thepower supply managing means 9 acts to apply predetermined limitations tothe communication control means 6 and the network interface means 7according to a state of the management.

Next, an operation of the communication adapter apparatus will beexplained.

Since an operation according to reception of an operation command and anotification system for a change in information are the same as those inthe first embodiment, explanations of the operation and the notificationsystem are omitted. An operation for power supply management will bemainly explained.

When the power supply managing means 9 has detected that, for example, aresidual amount of power, which can be used in the communication adapterapparatus is only a little, the power managing means 9 instructs thenetwork interface means 7 to shift to a mode for controlling powerconsumption of the network interface means 7 itself, for example, astandby mode. The power supply managing means 9 instructs thecommunication control means 6 to control communication frequency andnotifies the communication control means 6 that the network interfacemeans 7 has changed to the standby mode. Moreover, the power managingmeans 9 also gives information such as a residual amount of power to theapparatus communication managing means 5 according to a predeterminedprocedure.

When another apparatus connected to the network in this state transmitsan operation command to the apparatus 1, the communication adapterapparatus 3 of which is connected to the network 8, the networkinterface means 7 detects the operation command on the network 8according to a signal change or the like on the network 8. The networkinterface means 7 returns to a normal reception operation state from thestandby mode to receive the operation command and pass the operationcommand to the communication control means 6. After performing variousprocedures concerning reception in association with the networkinterface 7, the communication control means 6 converts the acquiredoperation command into a predetermined format for passing the operationcommand to the apparatus communication managing means 5. Then, thecommunication control means 6 performs a predetermined procedure to passthe operation command to the apparatus communication managing means 5.After passing the command to the apparatus communication managing means5, the network interface means 7 shifts to the standby mode. Theapparatus communication managing means 5 analyzes the operation commandand changes setting for the control items of the apparatus object 2 inthe apparatus 1 using the apparatus interface means 4 in order to set acontrol item of the apparatus object 2 corresponding to the operationcommand.

The apparatus 1 detects that the setting for the control item of theapparatus object 2 has been changed and, after carrying out operationcorresponding to the control item, changes an information item changedby the operation. Here, a series of operation according to the operationcommand is completed.

Next, an operation in notifying another apparatus connected to thenetwork that the information item of the apparatus object 2 of theapparatus 1 has been changed will be explained.

The apparatus communication managing means 5 periodically monitorsinformation items of the apparatus object 2 using the apparatusinterface means 4. The apparatus communication managing means 5 limitsaccesses to the apparatus object 2 by, for example, extending a timeinterval for monitoring the information item according to power supplyinformation obtained from the power supply managing means 9 and controlsfrequency of occurrence of events in the communication adapter apparatus3. When the apparatus communication managing means detects a change inthe information items, the apparatus communication managing meansgenerates a command notifying the change in the information items,creates the command in a predetermined format, executes a predeterminedprocessing in association with the communication control means 6, andpasses the command to the communication control means 6.

After returning the network interface means 7 to the usual operationmode, the communication control means 6 performs a procedure fortransmitting the command to the network 8 in association with thenetwork interface means 7 to complete the transmission of the command toanother apparatus connected to the network. After the completion oftransmission, the network interface means 7 shifts to the standby modeagain.

Note that, when the communication control means 6 passes a command tothe network interface means 7 and causes the network interface means 7to transmit the command, the communication control means 6 may takemeasures for further limitation of power consumption by, for example,delaying communication speed according to a content of detection by thepower supply managing means 9.

As described above, the communication adapter apparatus 3 includes thepower supply managing means 9 and reduces power consumption in thecommunication adapter apparatus 3 according to a management state. Thus,for example, when there is limitation on a power supply, for example, inthe case of an apparatus that is required to be battery driven such as asensor apparatus or when power is supplied from the apparatus 1, it ispossible to secure operation within the limitation. Consequently, it ispossible to obtain a communication adapter apparatus with whichadvantages such as control of an increase in cost of power supply to anapparatus and extension of a battery life are realized.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the communication adapter apparatus 3,which has a detailed internal structure of the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5, according to a third embodiment of the invention.Components identical with or equivalent to those in FIGS. 1 and 2 aredenoted by the same reference numerals, and different components will beexplained. In the figure, an apparatus control access unit 10 isconstituted to interface with the communication control means 6 providedin the apparatus communication managing means 5 according to apredetermined format and a predetermined procedure. In addition,permitting means 14 and prohibiting means 15 are provided such that theapparatus control access unit can be permitted or prohibited from theapparatus interface means 4.

An apparatus interface access unit 11 is constituted to interface withthe apparatus interface means 4 provided in the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 according to a predetermined format and a predeterminedprocedure. In addition, permitting means 12 and prohibiting means 13 areprovided such that the apparatus interface access unit 11 is permittedor prohibited from the communication control means 6.

Next, an operation of the communication adapter apparatus 3 will beexplained.

When the apparatus 1 cannot receive operation from a network in a statein which the apparatus 1 is being initialized or when it is dangerous ifthe apparatus 1 is operated remotely from the network during maintenanceor the like, the apparatus object 2 operates the prohibiting means 15 tobe effective for the apparatus control access unit 10 via the apparatusinterface 4 and prohibits an access to the apparatus control access unit10 from the communication control means 6. By prohibiting the access, itis possible to control careless operation of the apparatus object 2 fromthe network 8. When the initialization, the maintenance, or the likeends to permit operation of the apparatus object 2, the apparatus object2 operates the permitting means 14 to be effective for the apparatuscontrol access unit 10 via the apparatus interface means 4 and permitsan access to the apparatus control access unit 10 from the communicationcontrol means 6. Note that the permitting means 14 and the prohibitingmeans 15 are controlled exclusively. When one is effective, the other ismade ineffective.

Next, a case in which an access from the apparatus object 2 to theapparatus communication managing means 5 is limited will be explained.When communication setting for the communication adapter apparatus 3 hasnot been completed, careless issuance of a command to the network andoperation of the apparatus object 2 according to reception of a commandshould be prohibited in order to prevent malfunction of a system anddanger for the system.

In such a case, the communication control means 6 operates theprohibiting means 13 to be effective for the apparatus interface accessunit 11 and prohibits an access to the apparatus interface access unit11. By prohibiting the access, since a command received by thecommunicating means 6 by mistake during the setting does not reach theapparatus interface means 4, it is impossible to operate the apparatusobject 2. In addition, since the apparatus object 2 cannot access theapparatus communication managing means, transmission and reception ofdata to and from the communication control means 6 is interrupted. Notethat permission of the access can be realized by operating thepermitting means 12 to be effective.

In the above explanation, the communication adapter apparatus 3 is usedfor control of illegal accesses. However, it is also possible to use thecommunication adapter apparatus 3 for applications for, for example,prohibiting an access to the apparatus control access unit 10 toprohibit multiple accesses from the communicating means 6 when theapparatus communication managing means 5 is initialized or changed fromthe apparatus object 2 via the apparatus interface means 4 or,conversely, prohibiting an access to the apparatus interface access unit11 when the apparatus communication managing means is initialized orchanged from the communication control means 6 to initialize or changethe apparatus communication managing means 5 safely.

As described above, the apparatus control access unit and the apparatusinterface access unit 11 are provided in the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 of the communication adapter apparatus 3 and it is madepossible to set permission and prohibition of accesses to the apparatuscontrol access unit 10 and the apparatus interface access unit 11,respectively. Thus, at the time of initialization and maintenance forthe apparatus 1 and the communication adapter apparatus 3, it ispossible to obtain the communication adapter apparatus 3 in which workfor the setting and the maintenance can be performed safely and surely.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of the apparatuscommunication managing means according to the first or the secondembodiment of the invention in detail. Components identical with orequivalent to those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same referencenumerals, and different components will be explained. In the figure,specific items inside the apparatus control access unit 10 and theapparatus interface access unit 11 are shown.

The apparatus control access unit 10 includes an object managing unitthat performs management such as generation, deletion, and addition ofinstances and classes of the apparatus object 2 that are defined on thebasis of definitions set between the apparatus control access unit 10and the communication control means 6, state acquisition proceduresetting means for setting a method of acquiring a state of the apparatusobject 2 of the apparatus 1, installation information managing means formanaging, for example, information on locations where the apparatus 1and the communication adapter apparatus 3 are set, network attributemanaging means that manages attributes of a network such as a type ofthe network, and network band managing means that manages acommunication band (a communication capacity) and the like of thenetwork.

The apparatus interface access unit 11 also includes means with theidentical function that is defined on the basis of the apparatusinterface 4 as in the apparatus control access unit 10.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a structure of a system in which acommunication node 20 or 21 including the communication apparatus 3 andthe apparatus 1 according to the invention, a network sensor 22 or 23including a sensor apparatus and the communication adapter apparatus 3,and a controller 30 are connected with the network 8 as a network.

The operations of the various means explained above in the initialsetting will be hereinafter explained on the basis of this systemdiagram.

When the communication adapter apparatus 3 is connected with theapparatus 1, the communication adapter apparatus 3 is required todisclose, for example, various kinds of information as a communicationnode for the controller 30.

To acquire information of the apparatus object 2 in the apparatus 1, theapparatus communication managing means 5 uses the object managing meansof the apparatus interface access unit 11 to sequentially acquire theinformation of the apparatus object 2 via the apparatus interface means4. When the initialization is completed and the apparatus 1 is started,an instance change (start) in the apparatus object 2 is detected. Thus,in order to notify the network 8 of the instance change, the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 uses the object managing means of theapparatus control access unit 10 to transmit an instance changenotification command to the communication control means 6. Thecommunication control means 6 having received the command transmits thecommand to the network 8 in association with the network interface means7. The controller 30 receives this command and detects that theapparatus 1 is started. Next, the controller 30 sets acquiring means forvarious states of the apparatus object 2. A method of acquiring thestates can be realized by various methods such as receiving notificationwhen an event has occurred in the apparatus 1, periodically notifying astate that the communication adapter apparatus 3 acquires by accessingthe apparatus 1, or issuing a monitor command when the controller 30needs the command and acquiring a state from a response from thecontroller 30.

Then, the controller 30 determines an acquisition method from themethods explained above, generates a setting command, and transmits thesetting command to the network. The network interface means 7 of thecommunication adapter apparatus 3 receives the command and passes thecommand to the communication control means 6. The communication controlmeans 6 uses the state acquisition procedure setting means provided inthe apparatus control access unit 10 in the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 according to a predetermined procedure and sets theacquisition method instructed by the controller 30 in the apparatuscommunication managing means 5. The apparatus communication managingmeans 5 uses the state acquisition procedure setting means of theapparatus interface access unit 11 to communicate the same settingcontents to the apparatus object 2 via the apparatus interface means 4.Here, the apparatus communication managing means 5 communicates thesetting contents to the apparatus object 2 such that inconsistency isnot caused between the apparatus object 2 and the communication adapterapparatus 3.

Next, setting for installation information of the apparatus 1 isperformed. Various methods are possible for the setting of theinstallation information. Here, a method of giving the installationinformation from the controller 30 will be explained.

When an installation position of the apparatus 1 is inputted from a useror the like, the controller 30 generates a setting command for theposition and transmits the setting command to the network. The networkinterface means 7 of the communication adapter apparatus 3 receives thecommand and passes the command to the communication control means 6. Thecommunication control means 6 uses the installation information managingmeans provided in the apparatus control access unit 10 in the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 according to a predetermined procedureand sets the installation information instructed by the controller 30 inthe apparatus communication managing means 5. In addition, the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 is also capable of using the installationposition managing means of the apparatus interface access unit 11 tocommunicate the same setting contents to the apparatus object 2 via theapparatus interface means 4 as required.

When the installation position information is inputted from theapparatus 1, it is possible to provide the controller 30 with theinstallation information of the apparatus through a route opposite tothe route described above.

Next, a method of notifying the controller 30 and the apparatus 1 ofnetwork attributes held by the communication adapter apparatus 3 will beexplained.

The controller 30 and the communication adapter 3 are required to shareitems related to the network interface means 7 such as networkattributes (a type and a physical address of a network) in order toidentify an individual and correct a difference of a response time orthe like due to a medium in respective control programs. The apparatuscommunication managing means 5 can acquire this information from thecommunication control means 6 and the network interface means 7 usingthe network attribute managing means of the apparatus control accessunit 10. To notify the controller 30 of this information, the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 uses the network attribute managing meansof the apparatus control access unit to pass attribute information tothe communication control means 6. The communication control means 6issues a command corresponding to the attribute information to thenetwork interface means 7 and transmits the command to the network 8.The controller 30 receives this command and acquires information on anetwork attribute. In addition, on the basis of this information, theapparatus communication managing means 5 sets an interval or the likefor accessing the apparatus object 2 through the apparatus interfacemans 4.

Next, a method of setting a network band will be explained.

Concerning the network band, there are various objects and methods ofsetting such as setting of a band that is required in a system,notification of a setting value defined from limitation of thecommunication adapter apparatus 3, and setting of a band required by theapparatus 1.

In order to cope with the various methods and objects, the network bandmanaging means provides the network band managing unit provided in theapparatus control access unit 10 as a route from the communicationcontrol means 6 side, that is, the controller 30 or the like through thenetwork. In addition, the network band managing means also provides anetwork band managing unit in the apparatus interface access unit 11such that setting can be performed in response to a request from theapparatus 1 side. By providing these means, it is possible to cope withthe setting through the network, the limitation in the communicationcontrol means 6 and the network interface means 7, and the setting fromthe apparatus 1. A method of setting from these units to the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 can be performed in the same manner asthe method for the attribute or the like. In addition, a method ofaccess for using these setting values in the respective units is thesame as the method for the network attribute, an explanation of themethod is omitted.

As described above, since the object managing means, the stateacquisition procedure setting means, the installation informationmanaging means, the network attribute managing means, are the networkband managing means provided and constituted to be accessible freely, itis possible to share information with a controller in system setting andthe like. In addition, since the apparatus communication managing means5 in the communication adapter apparatus 3 manages the information, itis possible to obtain the communication adapter apparatus 3 that allowsan apparatus to be used as a node applicable to a network withoutimposing a burden on the apparatus 1.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the function of the apparatuscommunication managing means according to the first or the secondembodiments of the invention in detail. FIG. 5 mainly explains afunction that is used at the time of installation adjustment or thelike.

The apparatus control access unit 10 and the apparatus interface accessunit 11 include means for setting start and stop of operation of theapparatus object 2 managed by the apparatus communication managing means5 and acquiring states of operation and stop of the apparatus object 2,means for setting operation and stop and acquiring states of operationand stop of the communication control unit 6 from the apparatusinterface access unit 11, and means for imaginarily setting operationfor the apparatus object 2 managed by the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 and means for imaginarily setting an apparatus.

Next, an operation of the apparatus communication managing means 5 willbe explained.

The operation will be explained on the basis of a procedure for settingand test run of a system only with the communication adapter apparatuswhen the apparatus 1 is in an unconnected state.

The controller 30 shown in FIG. 9 transmits a setting command for aconnected apparatus to the communication adapter apparatus 3. Thiscommand is transmitted through the network interface means 7,interpreted by the communication control means 6, and gives informationto connected apparatus setting means of the apparatus control accessunit 10. An imaginary apparatus is generated in the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 on the basis of this information.Thereafter, the controller 30 is capable of performing trial run andsetting for the system using means provided in the apparatus controlaccess unit 10 for imaginarily operating and setting the imaginaryapparatus generated in the communication adapter apparatus 3.

When verification or the like of the system is carried out, an operationfor removing a specific apparatus object from the system intentionallyand reconnecting the apparatus object may be necessary. For such anapplication, the apparatus communication managing means 5 includes meansthat can set start and stop of operation of the apparatus object 2managed by the apparatus communication managing means 5 and acquisitionof states of the start and stop of operation of the apparatus object 2.In stopping the apparatus object 2, the communication adapter apparatus3 accesses stopping means provided in the apparatus control access unitof the apparatus communication managing means 5 according to apredetermined procedure and instructs the apparatus communicationmanaging means to stop the apparatus object 2. The apparatuscommunication managing means 5 stops the apparatus object 2 via theapparatus interface 4 using the stopping means of the apparatusinterface access u nit 11. Conversely, to start operation of theapparatus object 2, it is possible to bring the apparatus object 2 intoan operation state according to the same method using starting meansinstead of the stopping means.

As described above, the communication adapter apparatus 3 is constitutedbe capable of controlling start and stop of the apparatus object 2freely and performing verification of an action by the imaginaryapparatus by itself. Thus, it is possible to obtain a communicationadapter apparatus that can easily carry out system setting in the casein which an apparatus is not in an operation state at the time ofexecution of works and can efficiently perform verification work at thetime of system development.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a function of the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 according to the first or the secondembodiment of the invention in detail. FIG. 6 mainly shows a functionfor promoting convenience in replacement or the like of thecommunication adapter apparatus 3.

Memory writing control means and memory reading control means are set inthe apparatus control access unit 10 and the apparatus interface accessunit 11 in the apparatus communication managing means 5 as means foraccessing a nonvolatile memory provided in the apparatus object 2 in theapparatus 1.

An operation of the apparatus communication managing means 5 will behereinafter explained.

The communication adapter apparatus 3 holds information such asaddresses required in network communication and the various settingvalues described in the third embodiment. The communication adapterapparatus 3 constitutes a communication node together with the apparatus1.

When the communication adapter apparatus breaks down because of somecause, replacement work for the communication adapter apparatus 3 isrequired. The communication adapter apparatus 3 of the invention storesthe setting contents described above in a memory of the apparatus object2 according to the following procedure.

The apparatus communication managing means 5 holds all pieces of settinginformation. When setting is completed, the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 causes the memory writing control means of theapparatus interface access unit 11 to store the setting information inthe memory in the apparatus object 2 through the apparatus interface 4.

Next, when the communication adapter apparatus 3 is replaced, theapparatus communication managing means 5 uses the memory reading controlmeans of the apparatus interface access unit 11 to access the memory inthe apparatus object 2 and acquire the setting information. Theapparatus communication managing means 5 holds the acquired settingcontents in the database 5 and provides necessary information to thecommunication control means 6 and the network interface means 7. As amethod of providing of the information, the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 using the memory reading control means in the apparatuscontrol access unit 10 to notify the network interface means 7 throughthe communication control means 6. In this way, it is possible torestore the setting values only in the communication adapter apparatus3.

In order to store information that is not managed by the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 such as information in the communicationcontrol means in the apparatus object 2, the information is written inthe apparatus object 2 through the apparatus communication managingmeans 5 using the memory writing control means in the apparatus controlaccess unit 10.

As described above, since it is possible to temporarily store theinformation in the communication adapter apparatus 3 in the apparatusobject in the apparatus 1, it is unnecessary to perform resetting andthe like of a system that are required conventionally in replacement ofthe communication adapter apparatus 3 and it is possible to obtain thecommunication adapter apparatus 3 that can be replaced easily.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a function of the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 according to the first or the secondembodiment of the invention in detail. The apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 mainly includes means that provides the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 with contents of abnormality such that itis possible to easily specify an abnormal section in various abnormalstates detected by the communication adapter apparatus 3.

The apparatus communication managing means 5 includes network interfaceabnormality means that provides abnormality concerning the network 8,communication control abnormality means for providing abnormality of thecommunication control means 6, apparatus interface abnormality means forproviding abnormality concerning the apparatus interface means 4, andapparatus abnormality means for providing abnormality of an apparatus.

Next, an operation of the apparatus communication managing means 5 willbe explained.

The apparatus communication managing means 5 collects information onabnormality detected in the respective components consisting of thenetwork interface means 7, the communication control means 6, theapparatus interface 4, and the apparatus 1 (the apparatus object 2)through the apparatus control access unit 10 and the apparatus interfaceaccess unit 11 and manages the information unitarily while sequentiallyupdating the information. For example, when the controller 30 checksabnormality, which occurs in the apparatus 1 of the communication node20 shown in FIG. 9, through the network, the controller 30 issues acommand for accessing the apparatus abnormality means in the apparatuscommunication managing means 5. As a result, an acquisition command forapparatus abnormality is executed via the network interface means 7 andthe communication control means 6 and data of apparatus abnormalitymanaged by the apparatus communication managing means 5 is provided tothe controller 30 through the communication control means 6, the networkinterface means 7, and the network 8. It is also possible to acquireinformation on abnormality of the apparatus interface means 4 in thesame procedure by changing an access destination to the apparatusinterface abnormality means.

Concerning abnormality related to the network 8, since it may beimpossible to provide information through the network, in thisexplanation, it is assumed that a display function is provided in theapparatus object 2. The apparatus object 2 uses the apparatus interfacemeans 4 to access the network abnormality means or the communicationcontrol abnormality means of the apparatus interface access unit 11 andacquire information on abnormality of the communication control means 6or the network interface means 7 from the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5. When some abnormality is detected, the apparatusobject 2 carries out display or the like corresponding to contents ofthe abnormality.

As described above, since the apparatus communication managing means 5has the means for classifying abnormality states, which are detectableinside the communication adapter apparatus 3, and notifying the network8 or the apparatus 1 of the abnormality states. Thus, when deficiency ofthe system occurs, it is possible to easily judge whether the deficiencyis caused by a failure of the apparatus, a failure of the communicationadapter apparatus 3 and judge whether abnormality of the communicationadapter apparatus 3 is caused by a failure of the apparatus interfacemeans 4 or abnormality of the communication control means 6. Thus, it ispossible to obtain a communication adapter apparatus that is capable ofspecifying a point of deficiency efficiently and restore the systempromptly.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the communication adapter apparatus 3 thatoperates with power fed from the apparatus 1 through the apparatusinterface means 4 according to the eighth embodiment of the invention.Components identical with or equivalent to those in FIGS. 1 to 7 aredenoted by the same reference numerals.

The apparatus control access unit 10 and the apparatus interface accessunit 11 include, other than means for using the apparatus object 2,state providing means that provides various states of the power supplymanaging means 9, power supply control means for controlling the powersupply managing means 9, and power supply ability acquiring means foracquiring power supply ability or the like. In addition, the apparatuscontrol access unit 10 and the apparatus interface access unit 11include communication limitation control means for controllinglimitation on the communication control means according to informationof these means.

The network interface means 7 has a function of interface to the network8, a function capable of limiting power consumption of the networkinterface means 7 itself such as functions of shifting or returning tothe standby mode, changing transmission speed, and the like. (Ingeneral, it is known that network interface means consumes large powerat the time of a transmission operation.) The power supply managingmeans 9 includes a charge/discharge control unit and a control unit andhas a function of receiving supply of power from the apparatus interfacemeans 4 and charging this power, a function of supplying power to therespective units as required, and a function of providing suppliablepower capacity based on the present charged capacity.

Next, an operation of the communication adapter apparatus 3 will beexplained.

At the time of build-up, the communication adapter apparatus 3 accessesthe apparatus object 2 of the apparatus 1 using the power supply abilityacquiring means of the apparatus interface access unit 11 through theapparatus interface means 4 and acquires a capacity of power suppliablefrom the apparatus 1 into the apparatus communication managing means 5.In addition, the communication adapter apparatus 3 acquires and holdspower supply capacity data necessary for operations of the communicationcontrol means 6 and the network interface means 7 using the power supplycapacity acquiring means of the apparatus control access unit 10.

The power supply managing means 9 accesses the power supply capacityacquiring means in the apparatus control access means 10 to acquireinformation on the acquired power supply capacity to be supplied and apower supply capacity necessary for operations and sets duty of chargeand discharge and a system for power saving control of the communicationcontrol means.

For example, when electric power necessary for an operation is 3 in aperiod in which suppliable electric power is 1, the power supplymanaging means 9 controls an operation of the communication adapterapparatus 3 within electric power to be supplied by carrying out controlfor, for example, allowing operations of the communication control means6 and the network interface means 7 using the apparatus control accessmeans for the period in which the electric power is 1 after charging theelectric power of 3.

When such an intermittent operation is not allowed depending on anapplication, the communication control means 6 acquires a state of thecharge/discharge control unit managed by the power supply managing means9 from the apparatus communication managing means 5 via the apparatuscontrol access unit 10. Every time an event of a transmission requestfor data is issued, the communication control means 6 monitorsinformation of the power supply managing means to judge whether thecharge/discharge control unit has reached a charged state in which atransmission operation is possible and controls a mode of the networkinterface means 7. If the charge/discharge control unit is not in thestate in which transmission is possible, the apparatus communicationmanaging means 5 is capable of providing a source of issuance of thetransmission event with information, which indicates that thecommunication adapter apparatus 3 is on standby for transmission,through the communication limiting means. In addition, concerning areception operation, the apparatus communication managing means 5operates to start the reception operation by, for example, controllingthe network interface means 7 to the standby mode and controlling thenetwork interface means 7 to the normal mode according to a signalchange or the like of the network 8. However, in the case of reception,it is also possible to shift the network interface means 7 to the normalmode via the communication limiting means when a charge state of thecharge/discharge control unit in the power supply managing means 9 isinsufficient for a reception operation.

The apparatus communication managing means 5 provides the apparatusobject 2 with a power supply state of the power supply managing meansusing the state providing means provided in the apparatus interfaceaccess unit 11. Consequently, if the apparatus object 2 has a functionof generating a transmission event spontaneously, the apparatuscommunication managing means 5 is also capable of limiting the functionand controlling transmission power.

When the apparatus communication managing means 5 manages an access tothe apparatus object 2, according to a grasped power supply state, theapparatus communication managing means 5 uses the communication limitingmeans of the apparatus interface access unit 11 to adjust frequency anda time interval of access to the apparatus object 2 via the apparatusinterface 4. Consequently, it is possible to adjust frequency ofoccurrence of a transmission event according to an electric powercapacity.

As described above, when only limited power is supplied from theapparatus 1, it is possible to operate the communication adapterapparatus 3 in a range of suppliable electric power using the powersupply managing means 9 provided in the communication adapter apparatus3 and the means for providing various kinds of information and thecommunication limitation control means provided in the apparatuscommunication managing means 5. Thus, when a communication adapterapparatus is added in order to connect a home appliance through thenetwork, it is possible to obtain a communication adapter apparatus forwhich power supply work is unnecessary and it is possible to performexecution of works easily.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a system using a communication adapter accordingto a ninth embodiment of the invention.

In the figure, a connector A31 disposed in a home appliance 38. The homeappliance 38 exchanges attribute information with the communicationadapter 32 via the connector A31. This connector will be hereinafterreferred to as an input/output interface (an input/output I/F).

The communication adapter 32 includes input/output interfaces A37 andB33 for exchanging attribute information with the home appliance 38, anetwork interface 35 for exchanging information with an electronicappliance 40 such as other home appliances and a personal computer via anetwork 39 such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a CPU 36 thatexchanges information between the input/output interfaces A37 and B33and the network interface 35 and processes this information, and astorage 34 that is applicable to input/output systems used in homeappliances connected to the input/output interfaces A37 and B33 and inwhich driver software A and B for controlling hardware of theinput/output interfaces is stored.

The input/output interfaces A and B are connectors of the same type.Formats corresponding to the input/output systems of the home appliancesconnected thereto are selected as formats of the input/output interfacesA and B. Here, for simplification of explanation, it is assumed that oneof formats of serial input/output and contact input/output is selected.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which two home appliances 38 and 38′ withdifferent input/output systems are connected to the communicationadapter 32. In the figure, input/output interfaces of the homeappliances 38 and 38′ correspond to the serial input/output format andthe contact input/output format, respectively.

A power supply for an interface is provided for the home appliance 38including the interface of the serial input/output format. The powersupply supplies a power supply voltage signal to a specific terminal ofthe input/output interface.

Next, an operation of the communication adapter 32 will be explainedwith reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

The CPU 36 checks whether a power supply voltage signal is supplied tospecific terminals of plural input/output interfaces (in FIG. 11, twoinput/output interfaces A37 and B33), respectively. When home appliancesare connected to the input/output interfaces and a power supply voltagesignal is detected from the checked specific terminals, the CPU 36judges that an input/output format of the connected home appliance 38 isthe serial input/output format and starts driver software A, whichcontrols hardware of an interface of the serial input/output format,stored in the storage 34. According to the start of this drier softwareA, the communication adapter 32 communicates with the connected homeappliance 38 and reads out attribute information from the home appliance38. This attribute information is stored in the storage 34 via the CPU36. The stored attribute information is utilized for accessing the homeappliance 38 to obtain and control various kinds of information.

On the other hand, when a home appliance is connected to theinput/output interfaces and a power supply voltage signal is notdetected from the checked specific terminal, the CPU 36 judges that aninput/output format of the connected home appliance 38′ is the contactinput/output format. Then, the CPU 36 causes the connected input/outputinterface to start the driver software B for controlling the interfacehardware of the contact input/output format stored in the storage 34.According to the start of the driver software B, the communicationadapter 32 communicates with the connected home appliance 38′ and readsout attribute information such as an apparatus model and powerconsumption from the home appliance 38′. This attribute information isstored in the storage 34 via the CPU 36. The stored attributeinformation is utilized for accessing the home appliance 38′ to obtainand control various kinds of information.

With such a structure, a format of an input/output interfacecorresponding to a home appliance connected to the communication adapter32 is judged and driver software for controlling an interface hardwarecorresponding to the input/output interface is started.

According to the start of the driver software, attribute informationconcerning the connected home appliance is stored in the storage 34 viathe CPU 36. In this way, it is possible to automatically set theattribute information in the communication adapter 32 without using abarcode and a barcode reader.

Note that, although the two input/output interfaces A37 and B33 areprovided in the communication adapter 32 in the explanation of thefigure, the same holds true for a communication adapter including two ormore input/output interfaces. In addition, it is also possible to judgea format of an input/output interface according to the same method whenthere are input/output formats other than the serial input/output formatand the contact input/output format.

Tenth Embodiment

In the explanation of the ninth embodiment, the CPU judges whether aninput/output format of a connected home appliance is the serialinput/output or the contact input/output and acquires attributeinformation of the home appliance.

In an explanation of this embodiment, only when an input/outputinterface of a connected home appliance is the serial input/outputformat, the CPU judges whether the input/output interface is a clocksynchronous type or a clock asynchronous type and acquires attributeinformation of the home appliance.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which the home appliance 38 including a serialinput/output interface of the clock synchronous type and thecommunication adapter 32 are connected. In the figure, VCC, TX, RX, GND,and CLK represent a power supply voltage signal terminal, a transmissionsignal terminal, a reception signal terminal, a ground terminal, and aclock signal terminal.

Here, in home appliances of the serial input/output format, a homeappliance of the clock synchronous type cannot perform serialcommunication unless a clock signal is supplied from the communicationadapter 32. However, a home appliance of the clock asynchronous type iscapable of performing serial communication even if a clock signal is notsupplied from the communication adapter 32. Therefore, as shown in FIG.12, a specific CLK terminal for supplying a clock signal is set in aninput/output interface such that a communication sequence is establishedeven when a serial input/output interface of the clock synchronous typeis connected.

Next, an operation of the communication adapter 32 will be explained.

After judging a serial input/output format of a home appliance accordingto the method described in the ninth embodiment, the CPU 36 startsdriver software of the clock asynchronous type that can communicate withthe home appliance without a clock signal and tries communication withthe home appliance without supplying a clock signal to the CLK terminal.

As a result, if it is confirmed that a normal communication sequence canbe realized, the CPU 36 judges that the home appliance is the clockasynchronous type and continues the communication without changing thedriver software.

On the other hand, when the CPU 36 cannot communicate with the homeappliance, the CPU 36 changes the driver software to the clocksynchronous type on the communication adapter side, supplies a clocksignal to the home appliance via the CLK terminal, and triescommunication. In this way, the communication adapter 32 judges whetherthe serial input/output format is the clock synchronous type or theclock asynchronous type and automatically switches the clock synchronoustype and the clock asynchronous type.

After the clock synchronous type and the clock asynchronous type areswitched, the communication adapter 32 communicates with the homeappliance 38′ connected to the communication adapter 32 and reads outattribute information such as a model name and power consumption. Thisattribute information is stored in the storage apparatus 34 via the CPU36. The stored attribute information is utilized for accessing the homeappliance 38′ to obtain and control various kinds of information. Inthis way, it is possible to automatically set the attribute informationin the communication adapter 32 without using a barcode and a barcodereader.

Note that, although the two input/output interfaces A37 and B33 areprovided in the communication adapter 32 in the explanation of thefigure, the same holds true for a communication adapter including two ormore input/output interfaces.

Eleventh Embodiment

In the explanation of the ninth and the tenth embodiments, thecommunication adapter 32 judges an input/output format or clocksynchronous/clock asynchronous of a connected home appliance and, then,acquires attribute information of the home appliance.

In an explanation of this embodiment, after attribute information isacquired, it becomes necessary to change the attribute informationbecause of extension of a system or it becomes necessary to performmonitoring and control.

In this embodiment, attribute information is changed from an electricalapparatus such as a personal computer via the network 39 without using abarcode and a barcode reader. In a connection form shown in FIG. 10,attribute information and driver software for the home appliance 38 ischanged, monitored, and controlled from an electrical apparatus 40connected to the network 39. An operation in this embodiment will beexplained.

First, it will be explained how attribute information and driversoftware stored in the storage 34 are changed when the attributeinformation and the driver software are known for an electricalapparatus connected to a network.

In this case, it is sufficient to transmit a transmission frame(message), in which the attribute information and the driver software tobe changed are described, to the communication adapter 32 from theelectrical apparatus connected to the network.

For example, the CPU 36 having received this message ends the drivesoftware in use immediately and reads out designated driver software outof a driver software group stored in the storage 34 and starts thedriver software.

If the attribute information and the driver software stored in thestorage 34 are known in this way, it is possible to change the attributeinformation and the driver software easily only by transmitting amessage from the electrical apparatus connected to the network withoutusing a barcode and a barcode reader.

Next, it will be explained how attribute information and driver softwarestored in the storage 34 are changed when the attribute information andthe driver software are unknown for an electrical apparatus connected toa network.

In this case, the communication adapter 32 needs to check and discloseto the network 39 what is the home appliance 38 connected to thecommunication adapter 32, what kind of information the home appliance 38can receive, and what kind of monitoring and control the home appliance38 can perform.

FIG. 13 shows a procedure for disclosing attribute information of theconnected home appliance 38 to the network 39.

The procedure will be hereinafter explained assuming that controlprograms for various home appliances are stored in the storage 34 of thecommunication adapter 32.

First, after the home appliance 38 is connected to the communicationadapter 32, the communication adapter 32 generates a request frame 1 (ahome appliance information acquisition request 1), which consists of arequest for acquiring information on the home appliance 38, andtransmits the request frame 1 to the home appliance 38 via theinput/output interface A37 and waits for a response to this requestframe 1 from the home appliance 38 (step S1).

When the home appliance 38 receives the request frame 1, the homeappliance 38 returns a name (a code number) of the home appliance 38itself to the communication adapter 32. The communication adapterreceives the code number returned from the home appliance (step S2),extracts a control program corresponding to the home appliance out ofthe control program group stored in the storage 34 and sets the controlprogram.

Through this step, the communication adapter 32 can learn what is thehome appliance 38 connected to the input/output interface A37 and setattribute information concerning the home appliance 38 and informationthat the communication adapter 32 can monitor and control.

Such a step is performed in parallel for all input/output interfaces ofthe communication adapter. The communication adapter can set attributeinformation concerning all home appliances connected to thecommunication adapter itself and information that the communicationadapter can monitor and control.

Next, consideration is given to changing, monitoring, and control ofattribute information of a home appliance connected to the communicationadapter 32, in which information is set as described above, from theelectrical apparatus 40 connected to the network 39.

In this case, first, the electrical apparatus 40 generates a requestframe 2 (a home appliance information acquisition request 2) consistingof a request for acquiring information concerning a home applianceconnected to a communication adapter and sends the request frame 2 tothe communication adapter 32.

The communication adapter 32 generates a response frame (a homeappliance attribute information response) as a response to the requestframe 32 (the home appliance information acquisition request) on thebasis of attribute information of all connected home appliances andinformation with which the home appliance can be monitored andcontrolled and returns the response frame to the request frame 32.According to the response frame from the communication adapter, theelectrical apparatus 40 can judge what kind of home appliance 38 isconnected to the network 39 and can acquire attribute informationconcerning the home appliance 38 and information with which the homeappliance 38 can be monitored and controlled (step S3). Then, to changethe attribute information on the home appliances and monitoring andcontrol of the home appliances on the basis of the acquired information,it is sufficient to transmit a message describing contents of the changeas in the above-mentioned case in which attribute information is known.

In this way, it is possible to change the attribute information on thehome appliances connected to the communication adapter and monitor andcontrol the home appliances from the electrical appliance 40 connectedto the network 39 on the basis of the acquired information without usinga barcode and a barcode reader.

Note that, in this explanation, a control program group for various homeappliances is stored in the storage 34 of the communication adapter 32and an electrical apparatus, to which the communication adapter isconnected, is judged via input/output interfaces between thecommunication adapter and the home appliances. However, it is alsopossible to transmit a frame, which sets a home appliance connected toan input/output interface of the communication adapter, to thecommunication adapter 32 from an electrical apparatus such as a personalcomputer connected to the network 39. In this way, it is possible to setand change a control program for the pertinent home appliance andestablish a response frame on the basis of the transmitted frame.

Twelfth Embodiment

An electrical apparatus will be explained with a communication adapterfor connecting a home appliance to an external network as an example.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which a home appliance 46 is connected to anexternal apparatus via an electrical apparatus (a communication adapter)41 according to this embodiment.

In the figure, the electrical apparatus (the communication adapter) 41includes an external network interface connected to an external networksuch as Ethernet (registered trademark), a microcomputer incorporating anonvolatile memory, and a serial interface 47 connected to the homeappliance 46. The serial interface 47 for connection with the electricalapparatus (the communication adapter) 41 is also disposed in the homeappliance 46.

With such a structure, the electrical apparatus (the communicationadapter) 41 operates the home appliance 46 connected to the electricalapparatus itself according to a control signal from the external networkinterface and monitors a state of the home appliance 46 to notify otherelectrical appliances connected to the external network of informationon this stated.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an operation for writing a programin the nonvolatile memory incorporated in the electrical apparatus 41.In the figure, a ROM writer 42 for writing a program in the nonvolatilememory is connected to the serial interface 47 of the electricalapparatus 41 instead of the home appliance 46.

In addition, a writing control terminal CNVss 44 is disposed in theelectrical apparatus 41. A microcomputer, which is switched to a writingmode when the writing control terminal CNVss 44 is pulled down to a lowpotential level “L”, is mounted on the electrical apparatus 41.

Writing of a program in the nonvolatile memory will be hereinafterexplained on the basis of the figure.

The writing control terminal CNVss 44 of the electrical apparatus 41 isusually pulled up at a voltage VCC. The pulled-up writing controlterminal CNVss 44 and a ground terminal (hereinafter referred to as “GNDterminal”) are outputted to the serial interface 47.

On the other hand, a short-circuit 45, through which the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 and the GND terminal are short-circuited when theelectrical apparatus 41 and the ROM writer 42 are connected, is disposedin a serial interface 47′ of the ROM writer 42.

Therefore, by connecting the electrical apparatus 41 and the ROM writer42, the writing control terminal CNVss 44 is short-circuited to bepulled down to the low potential level “L” and the microcomputer changesto the writing mode and can write a new program in the nonvolatilememory via a TXD (Transmitted Data) terminal or an RXD (Received Data)terminal.

In the explanation of this embodiment, the microcomputer changes to thewriting mode by pulling down the writing control terminal CNVss 44 tothe low potential level “L”. The same holds true for a microcomputerthat is switched to the writing mode by pulling up the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 to a working voltage (5 V) of the microcomputer or apredetermined voltage of a common power supply line (12 V) on a circuitboard.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the writing control terminal CNVss 44is usually grounded. A terminal, to which a predetermined voltage isoutputted, is disposed in the serial interface 47 on the electricalapparatus 41 side together with the writing control terminal CNVss 44.On the other hand, a short-circuit, through which the terminal with thepredetermined voltage and the writing control terminal CNVss 44 areshort-circuited when the electrical apparatus 41 and the ROM writer 42are connected, is provided in the serial interface 47′ on the ROM writer42 side. With such a structure, it is possible to switch themicrocomputer to the writing mode using the same ROM writer 42 asdescribed above.

In this way, in the electrical apparatus 41 incorporating thenonvolatile memory according to the invention, the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 and the voltage terminal, to which the predeterminedvoltage for switching the writing control terminal CNVss 44 isoutputted, are disposed in the serial interface 47. The serial interface47′ of the ROM writer 42 is constituted such that the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 and the voltage terminal are short-circuited when theserial interface 47′ is connected to the electrical apparatus 41.

As a result, when the serial interfaces 47 and 47′ are connected,regardless of specifications (pull-down, pull-up) of the microcomputer,the microcomputer always switches to the writing mode and shifts to astate in which the microcomputer can write a new program via the TXDterminal and the RXD terminal. In this way, it is possible to provide aROM writer 42 and an electrical apparatus having high universality and awriting method using the ROM writer 42 and the electrical apparatus.

In the explanation of this embodiment, the communication adapter iscited as an example in this embodiment. However, the invention is notlimited to this. For example, the same explanation is applied to a casein which the electrical apparatus is a home appliance such as an airconditioner or a microwave and, in order to write a new program in anonvolatile memory of a microcomputer incorporated in this homeappliance, the ROM writer 42 is connected to the serial interface 47disposed in the home appliance to write the program.

In the explanation of this embodiment, one writing control terminalCNVss 44 is provided. However, the same explanation is applied to a casein which there are plural writing control terminals. When there areplural writing control terminals, a circuit for short-circuiting a GNDterminal and a writing control terminal only has to be provided on theROM writer 42 side for the respective writing control terminals.

Note that, in the explanation of this embodiment, the circuit fordirectly short-circuiting the writing control terminal CNVss 44 and theGND terminal is provided. However, it is needless to mention that anystructure is acceptable as long as the writing control terminal CNVss 44of the electrical apparatus 41 and the low potential level “L” isshort-circuited when the electrical apparatus 41 and the ROM writer 42are connected.

In embodiments to be described below, various cases in which the writingcontrol terminal CNVss 44 is short-circuited when connected will beexplained.

Thirteenth Embodiment

In the twelfth embodiment, the writing control terminal CNVss 44 and theGND terminal are short-circuited via the short-circuit 45 to set themicrocomputer to the writing mode. However, as shown in FIG. 17, it isalso possible that a photodiode 48 is connected to the writing controlterminal CNVss 44, an LED 49 is mounted on the ROM writer 42, the ROMwriter 42 is connected to the serial interface 47 of the electricalapparatus 41, and when a new control program is written, the LED 49 islighted to feed a photoelectric current to the photodiode 48 and set thewriting control terminal CNVss 44 to the low potential level “L”.

As a structure of a connection part in the serial interfaces 47 of theROM writer 42 and the electrical apparatus 41, for example, it issufficient that the connection part is covered with a shielding rubber50 at the time of normal use to prevent the microcomputer from changingto the writing mode as shown in FIG. 18 and the shielding rubber ispushed and removed by the LED 49 on the ROM writer 42 side such thatlight of the LED 49 is received by the photodiode 48 at the time ofwriting by the ROM writer 42.

As described above, in the electrical apparatus according to thisembodiment, the low potential level “L” for switching the microcomputerto the writing mode is provided such that the writing control terminalis pulled down to the low potential level “L” when the photodiodereceives light. Thus, as in the twelfth embodiment, the ROM writer 42only has to have a light-emitting element such as an LED. It isunnecessary to change the ROM writer 42 according to specifications ofthe microcomputer of the electrical apparatus 41 and it is possible toprovide the ROM writer 42 and an electrical apparatus having highuniversality and a writing method using the ROM writer 42 and theelectrical apparatus.

Fourteenth Embodiment

In the thirteenth embodiment, optical coupling structure using thephotodiode 48 is explained. However, as shown in FIG. 19, aphototransistor 51 may be used as a light-receiving element. The LED 49is lighted to feed a photoelectric current to the phototransistor 51instead of the photodiode 48, whereby the writing control terminal CNVss44 is changed to the GND level. An advantage in this case is the same asthat explained in the twelfth embodiment.

Fifteenth Embodiment

In the twelfth embodiment, the writing control terminal CNVss 44 isshort-circuited via the short-circuit 45 to set the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 to a voltage level of the writing mode. However, asshown in FIG. 20, it is also possible that a mechanism switch 52, whichis turned ON when pushed in, is connected to the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 and exposed from the serial interface 47 and aprojection making it possible to push in the switch is provided in theROM writer 42 such that, when the ROM writer 42 is connected to a serialinterface of a main body, the switch can be turned ON by the projectionprovided on the ROM writer 42 side. Since an advantage in this case isthe same as that explained in the twelfth embodiment, an explanation ofthe advantage is omitted.

Sixteenth Embodiment

In the twelfth embodiment, the writing control terminal CNVss 44 isshort-circuited via the short-circuit 45 to set the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 to a voltage level of the writing mode. However, asshown in FIG. 8, it is also possible that a contact of a relay 53, whichis open at the normal time, is connected to the writing control terminalCNVss 44 and a coil control line of the relay is outputted to the serialinterface 47 side as a terminal such that, when the ROM writer 42 isconnected to the serial interface 47 of the electrical apparatus 41, avoltage for operating the relay is applied to this coil control line,whereby the relay is turned ON and the writing control terminal CNVss 44is pulled down to the GND level. An advantage in this case is the sameas that explained in the twelfth embodiment.

Seventeenth Embodiment

In the twelfth embodiment, the writing control terminal CNVss 44 isshort-circuited via the short-circuit 45 to set the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 to a voltage level of the writing mode. However, asshown in FIG. 22, it is also possible that a thermostatic lead switch55, which is open at a room temperature, is connected to the writingcontrol terminal CNVss 44, a heater 54 is provided on the ROM writer 42side, and when the ROM writer 42 is connected to the serial interface 47of the electrical apparatus 41, the heater is turned ON to change thethermostatic lead switch 55 to a short-circuit mode with heat of theheater at the time of connection, whereby the writing control terminalCNVss 44 is grounded to GND and the microcomputer of the electricalapparatus 41 is set to the writing mode. An advantage in this case isthe same as that explained in the twelfth embodiment.

Eighteenth Embodiment

In the seventeenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 is controlled by the thermostatic lead switch 55.However, the writing control terminal CNVss 44 may be controlled by amagnetic lead switch 56. A permanent magnet or an electromagnet 57 isprovided on the ROM writer 42 side and, when the ROM writer 42 isconnected to the serial interface 47 of the electrical apparatus 41, themagnetic lead switch 56 is changed to the short-circuit mode by thepermanent magnet 57, whereby the microcomputer of the electricalapparatus 41 is set to the writing mode.

In addition, when the electromagnet is provided on the ROM writer 42side rather than the permanent magnet, it is also possible that, whenthe ROM writer 42 is connected to the serial interface 47 of theelectrical apparatus 41, a magnetic force is generated by applying anelectric current to a coil to short-circuit the magnetic lead switch. Anadvantage in this case is the same as that explained in the twelfthembodiment.

Nineteenth Embodiment

In the twelfth to the eighteenth embodiments, the method of directlyshort-circuiting the writing control terminal CNVss 44 and the GNDterminal is explained. In this embodiment, a method of short-circuitingthe writing control terminal CNVss 44 and the GND terminal bysuperimposing a control signal for short-circuiting the writing controlterminal CNVss 44 to the GND level on a data signal transmitted from theROM writer 42 to the TXD terminal and separating and extracting thiscontrol signal in the electrical apparatus 41 will be explained.

First, a structure and a function of the ROM writer 42 in thisembodiment will be explained.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining generation of a signal in the ROMwriter 42.

In the figure, a signal 61 is generated from a counter circuit on thebasis of a clock source with speed sufficiently larger than transferspeed of data transmitted to the TXD terminal (e.g., whereas thetransfer speed of data transmitted to the TXD terminal is 1 bit/104 us,the speed of the clock source is 1 bit/1 us). The signal 61 and a datasignal transmitted to the TXD terminal are inputted to an AND circuit tocreate a logical product of the two signals (an AND signal) Next, astructure and a function of the electrical apparatus 41 in thisembodiment will be explained.

FIG. 25 is a diagram explaining a component added to the electricalapparatus 41 and a function of the component (separating a signaltransmitted from the ROM writer 2 into a data signal and a controlsignal to short-circuit the writing control terminal CNVss 44).

Compared with FIG. 14, a low-pass filter (hereinafter referred to as“LPF”) and a D flip-flop (hereinafter referred to as “DFF”) with anenable (ENA) are added to the electrical apparatus 41 anew.

An operation of the electrical apparatus 41 will be hereinafterexplained in accordance with a flow of a signal.

The AND signal (a signal 58), which is created by the ROM writer 42 asdescribed above, is branched into two signals and one signal is inputtedto the LPF. A pulse of a small width, which is a high-frequencycomponent, and the like are removed from the signal 58 inputted to theLPF. As a result, as indicated by a signal 59, a signal outputted fromthe LPF reproduces an original signal before inputted to the ANDcircuit, although slightly rounded at a rising edge and a falling edge.This signal 59 is inputted to the TXD terminal.

On the other hand, signals branched after passing the LPF are furtherbranched and inputted to an ENA (ENABLE) terminal and a data inputterminal (a D terminal) of the DFF, respectively. Signals branchedbefore passing the LPF are directly inputted to the CLK terminal.

Here, in the DFF, while an input of the ENA terminal is a high potentiallevel “H”, an input of the D terminal is latched at a first rising edgeof a waveform inputted from the CLK terminal. In other words, the highpotential level “H” inputted to the D terminal at this point is directlyoutputted as an output of an output terminal (a Q terminal, not shown)Therefore, as indicated by a signal 60, an output from a reversal outputterminal (a Qn terminal) is a lower potential level “L” that is obtainedby reversing this high potential level “H”. This means that the outputof the Qn terminal is switched to the high potential level “H” to a lowpotential level “L” at the first rising edge of the waveform inputtedfrom the CLK terminal. If the writing control terminal CNVss 44 isconnected to the Qn terminal, the microcomputer is switched to thewriting mode.

Once the output is changed to the low potential level “L”, a reversaloutput of the DFF (an output from the Qn terminal) continues to be thelow potential level “L” until the DFF is reset. Thus, after the writingends, the DFF is reset.

In this way, it is also possible that the writing control terminal CNVss44 is short-circuited to the ground level (the low potential level “L”)using the flip-flop and the microcomputer of the electrical apparatus 41is set to the writing mode.

As another method of generating a waveform to be inputted to the Aterminal in FIG. 25, it is also possible that, as shown in FIG. 26, inthe beginning at the time of start of writing from the ROM writer 42,transfer speed of a serial interface is set to 115 Kbps, all DATA areset to “1” such that only a start bit of a first time is detected with astructure of a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) outputformat of “start bit+8 bit DATA” to generate a part of first data and,thereafter, data for writing a program is communicated by switching thetransfer speed of the serial interface to 9.6 Kbps, whereby data fromthe ROM writer 42 to be transmitted to the electrical apparatus 41 iscreated. In this case, a first rising edge of the start bit is used forlatching the D terminal. Note that a ratio of transfer speed (115 Kbps:9.6 Kbps) is changed appropriately according to performance of the LPF.

Since the electrical apparatus 41 is constituted as described above, asin the twelfth embodiment, the low potential level “L” for switching themicrocomputer to the writing mode is obtained from the electricalapparatus 41 and the control signal for operation the short-circuitconsisting of the flip-flop circuit DFF is separated and extracted fromthe data signal of the ROM writer 42. Thus, it is unnecessary to changethe ROM writer 42 according to specifications of the microcomputer ofthe electrical apparatus 41 and it is possible to provide the ROM writer42 and an electrical apparatus having high universality and a writingmethod using the ROM writer 42 and the electrical apparatus.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the communication adapter apparatus according to the invention, theapparatus communication managing means has a function of managing anapparatus object mounted on an apparatus. Thus, a processing functionrealized by control means such as a microcomputer provided in theapparatus is reduced and it is possible to obtain an apparatus, whichcan be remotely operated from a network, by adding a communicationadapter apparatus without imposing a burden on microcomputer resources.In addition, the apparatus communication managing means defies the meansfor connection with the communication control means according to apredetermined format and a predetermined procedure. Thus, there is alsoan advantage that, for example, even when a change of a communicationprotocol or the like occurs, a communication adapter apparatus with highuniversality, with which protocol change is possible easily, is obtainedby creating the communication control unit according to a definedinterface. Moreover, the communication adapter apparatus includes thepower supply managing means and reduces power consumption in the insidethereof corresponding to a management state. Thus, for example, in thecase of an apparatus that is required to be battery driven such as asensor apparatus or when power is supplied from an apparatus, when thereis limitation on a power supply, it is possible to secure operationwithin the limitation. Consequently, it is possible to obtain acommunication adapter apparatus with which advantages such as control ofan increase in cost of power supply to an apparatus and extension of abattery life are realized.

In the communication adapter, when an input/output interface of thecommunication adapter and an input/output interface of a home applianceare connected, a CPU of the communication adapter sets driver softwarefor controlling interface hardware stored in a storage on the basis ofpower supply voltage information supplied from the home appliance via aspecific terminal of the input/output interface. Thus, it is possible toautomatically set attribute information without using a barcode and abarcode reader.

In the writing method consisting of an electrical apparatusincorporating a nonvolatile memory in which data is rewritable when awriting control terminal is pulled down or pulled up to a predeterminedvoltage and a ROM writer that writes data in this nonvolatile memory,the electrical apparatus includes a generation circuit for generatingthe predetermined voltage and the ROM writer includes means thatconnects the predetermined voltage generated by the generation circuitto the writing control terminal. Thus, it is unnecessary to change theROM writer side according to specifications of a microcomputer of theelectrical apparatus and it is possible provide a ROM writer and anelectrical apparatus with high universality and a writing method usingthe ROM writer and the electrical apparatus.

1. A communication adapter apparatus that connects one of pluralconnection object apparatuses having an apparatus object consisting ofinformation, which is based on functions of the apparatuses, andoperable control items, respectively and a network to which a controllerfor remotely controlling the connection object apparatus is connected,comprising: communication control means that controls transmission andreception of data to and from the network; apparatus communicationmanaging means that copies and saves the apparatus object, saves aprocedure for a communication service of the communication controlmeans, and makes it possible to use the connection object apparatus fromthe network using these saved data; and apparatus interface means thatis defined by standards common to all the apparatuses in order to makeall the plural communication object apparatuses connectable.
 2. Acommunication adapter apparatus according to claim 1, further comprisingpower supply managing means that manages a charged capacity inside anadapter, and in that the communication control means limitscommunication according to a management state of the power supplymanaging means.
 3. A communication adapter apparatus according to claim1, further comprising power supply managing means that manages a chargedcapacity inside an adapter, and in that the apparatus communicationmanaging means limits accesses to the apparatus object according to amanagement state of the power supply managing means.
 4. A communicationadapter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatuscommunication managing means includes: an apparatus interface accessunit that is usable according to a procedure common to the connectionobject apparatuses; and an apparatus control access unit that is usablefrom the communication control means according to the common procedureand also includes at least one of permitting/prohibiting means thatpermits or prohibits an access to the apparatus interface access unitfrom the communication control unit and permitting/prohibiting meansthat permits or prohibits an access to the apparatus control access unitfrom the apparatus interface means.
 5. A communication adapter apparatusaccording to any claim 1, wherein the apparatus communication managingmeans includes: an apparatus interface access unit that is usableaccording to a procedure common to the connection object apparatuses;and an apparatus control access unit that is usable from thecommunication control means according to the common procedure, and eachof the apparatus interface access unit and the apparatus control accessunit includes at leas one of object managing means that performsmanagement such as generation, deletion, and addition of instances andclasses of the apparatus object, state acquisition procedure settingmeans that sets setting values held by the connection objectapparatuses, a procedure for acquiring a state, a state change, aperiodical notification, and the like, installation information managingmeans that sets and provides information on installation or arrangementof the connection object apparatuses, network attribute managing meansthat sets and provides attribute information concerning the network, andnetwork band managing means that sets and provides information relatedto a communication band of the network.
 6. A communication adapterapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus communicationmanaging means that, when the connection object apparatuses are notconnected yet, generates an imaginary apparatus object on the basis of asetting command, transmission of which is received via the network, andsaves the imaginary apparatus object instead of the apparatus object. 7.A communication adapter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theapparatus communication managing means includes: an apparatus interfaceaccess unit that is usable according to a procedure common to theconnection object apparatuses; and an apparatus control access unit thatis usable from the communication control means according to the commonprocedure, and the apparatus communication managing means provides animaginary apparatus in the apparatus control access unit on the basis ofa setting command, transmission of which is received via the network,performs operation and setting for this imaginary apparatus andacquisition of a state involved in the operation and setting, andperforms setting for running and stop of the apparatus object andacquisition of a state involved in the setting with the apparatusinterface access unit.
 8. A communication adapter apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the apparatus communication managing means includes: anapparatus interface access unit that is usable according to a procedurecommon to the connection object apparatuses; an apparatus control accessunit that is usable from the communication control means according tothe common procedure; and a database that holds installation informationfor the apparatus object and the like, and each of the apparatusinterface access unit and the apparatus control access unit includeswriting/reading means that writes the installation information held bythe database in and reads out the installation information to theconnection object apparatuses.
 9. A communication adapter apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the apparatus communication managing meansincludes: an apparatus interface access unit that is usable according toa procedure common to the connection object apparatuses; and anapparatus control access unit that is usable from the communicationcontrol means according to the common procedure, and each of theapparatus interface access unit and the apparatus control access unitincludes: abnormality notifying means that detects in which of theapparatus interface; the communication control means; the networkinterface means; and the apparatus object abnormality has occurred andprovides the network or the connection object apparatuses withinformation on the detected abnormality.
 10. A communication adapterapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the communication adapterapparatus provides the network with the abnormality information whendata transmission through the network is possible and provides theconnection object apparatuses with the abnormality information when datatransmission through the network is impossible.
 11. A communicationadapter apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatuscommunication managing means includes: an apparatus interface accessunit that is usable according to a procedure common to the connectionobject apparatuses; and an apparatus control access unit that is usablefrom the communication control means according to the common procedure,and the apparatus communication managing means limits communication tothe communication control means according to a state of the power supplymanaging means using at least one of the apparatus interface access unitand the apparatus control access unit.
 12. A communication adaptercomprising: an input/output interface that is connected to a homeappliance; a network interface that is connected to a network; a CPUthat is connected to the interfaces and performs exchange and processingof data; and a storage that saves the data, and in that the storage hasplural pieces of driver software for controlling hardware of theinput/output interface for each input/output system and, when theinput/output interface is connected to the home appliance, the CPUdistinguishes an input/output system for the home appliance on the basisof voltage information supplied from the home appliance via a specificterminal of the input/output interface and selects driver softwarecorresponding to the input/output system.
 13. A communication adaptercomprising: an input/output interface that is connected to a homeappliance; a network interface that is connected to a network; a CPUthat is connected to the interfaces and performs exchange and processingof data; and a storage that saves the data, and in that the storage hasplural pieces of driver software for controlling hardware of theinput/output interface for each input/output system, the input/outputinterface includes a second specific terminal that supplies a clocksignal from the communication adapter to the home appliance, and the CPUstarts driver software of a serial input/output system of a clocksynchronous type/asynchronous type in association with supply/non-supplyof the clock signal and, on the basis of a response returned from thehome appliance at this point, selects driver software of the serialinput/output system of one of the clock synchronous type/asynchronoustype.
 14. A communication adapter comprising: an input/output interfacethat is connected to a home appliance; a network interface that isconnected to a network; a CPU that is connected to the interfaces andperforms exchange and processing of data; and a storage that saves thedata, and in that the storage has plural pieces of driver software forcontrolling hardware of the input/output interface for each input/outputsystem, and the communication adapter selects driver software held bythe storage on the basis of a communication frame that is sent from anelectrical apparatus connected to the network.
 15. A communicationadapter comprising: an input/output interface that is connected to ahome appliance; a network interface that is connected to a network; aCPU that is connected to the interfaces and performs exchange andprocessing of data; and a storage that saves the data, and in that thestorage has plural pieces of driver software for controlling hardware ofthe input/output interface for each input/output system, the storageholds attribute information consisting of items, model names, powerconsumption, and the like, which can be monitored, controlled, and setfrom the network, for each of plural home appliances, and thecommunication adapter selects one piece of the attribute information forthe input/output interface on the basis of a response frame from thehome appliance responding to the communication frame sent from theinput/output interface to the home appliance.
 16. A communicationadapter comprising: an input/output interface that is connected to ahome appliance; a network interface that is connected to a network; aCPU that is connected to the interfaces and performs exchange andprocessing of data; and a storage that saves the data, and in that thestorage has plural pieces of driver software for controlling hardware ofthe input/output interface for each input/output system, the storageholds attribute information consisting of items, model names, powerconsumption, and the like, which can be monitored, controlled, and setfrom the network, for each of plural home appliances, and thecommunication adapter selects one piece of the attribute information onthe basis of a communication frame sent from an electrical apparatusconnected to the network.
 17. A writing method consisting of anelectrical apparatus incorporating a nonvolatile memory in which data isrewritable when a writing control terminal is pulled down or pulled upto a predetermined voltage; and a ROM writer that writes data in thisnonvolatile memory, wherein the electrical apparatus includes ageneration circuit for generating the predetermined voltage and the ROMwriter includes means that connects the predetermined voltage generatedby the generation circuit to the writing control terminal.
 18. Anelectrical apparatus constituting the writing method according to claim17 further comprising an interface that includes: the writing controlterminal; and a voltage terminal that outputs the predetermined voltagegenerated by the generation circuit.
 19. A ROM writer connected to theelectrical apparatus according to claim 18, further including means tobe connected to the interface and the means short-circuits the writingcontrol terminal and the voltage terminal when connected to theinterface.
 20. A writing method consisting of an electrical apparatusincorporating a nonvolatile memory in which data is rewritable when awriting control terminal is pulled down or pulled up to a predeterminedvoltage; and a ROM writer that writes data in this nonvolatile memory,wherein the electrical apparatus has an interface including the writingcontrol terminal and a setting circuit for setting the writing controlterminal to the predetermined voltage, and the ROM writer has aninterface including trigger means that can be connected to the interfaceand turns ON the setting circuit when the trigger means is connected tothe interface.
 21. An electrical apparatus constituting the writingmethod according to claim 20, wherein the setting circuit is a circuitunit consisting of a light-receiving element that turns ON/OFF anoperation for setting the writing control terminal to the predeterminedvoltage according to whether the light-receiving element receives lightof a specific wavelength exceeding a predetermined intensity.
 22. A ROMwriter connected to the electrical apparatus according to claim 21,wherein the trigger unit is a circuit unit consisting of alight-emitting element that irradiate light of a specific wavelength onthe light-receiving element.
 23. An electrical apparatus constitutingthe writing method according to claim 20, wherein the setting circuit isa circuit unit consisting of a relay for turning ON/OFF an operation forsetting the writing control terminal to the predetermined voltageaccording to whether the relay gives a specific current to a coilcontrol line.
 24. A ROM writer connected to the electrical apparatusaccording to claim 23, wherein the trigger unit is a circuit unitincluding a voltage terminal that gives a specific current to the coilcontrol line.
 25. An electrical apparatus constituting the writingmethod according to claim 24, wherein the setting circuit is a circuitunit consisting of a mechanism switch that turns ON/OFF an operation forsetting the writing control terminal to the predetermined voltageaccording to whether the mechanism switch is pushed in.
 26. A ROM writerconnected to the electrical apparatus according to claim 25, wherein thetrigger unit is a projection for pushing in the mechanism switch.
 27. Anelectrical apparatus constituting the writing method according to claim20, wherein the setting circuit is a circuit unit consisting of athermostatic lead switch that turns ON/OFF an operation for setting thewriting control terminal to the predetermined voltage according towhether the thermostatic lead switch is heated.
 28. A ROM writerconnected to the electrical apparatus according to claim 27, wherein thetrigger unit is a heater for heating the thermostatic lead switch. 29.An electrical apparatus constituting the writing method according toclaim 20, wherein the setting circuit is a circuit unit consisting of amagnetic lead switch that turns ON/OFF an operation for setting thewriting control terminal to the predetermined voltage according towhether magnetism is applied to the magnetic lead switch.
 30. A ROMwriter connected to the electrical apparatus according to claim 29,wherein the trigger unit is a magnet or an electromagnet for applyingmagnetism to the magnetic lead switch.
 31. A writing method consistingof an electrical apparatus incorporating a nonvolatile memory in whichdata is rewritable when a writing control terminal is pulled down orpulled up to a predetermined voltage; and a ROM writer that rewritesdata in this nonvolatile memory, wherein the electrical apparatusincludes, in an interface, the writing control terminal; switching meansthat switches the writing control terminal to the predetermined voltage;a signal terminal; and separating means that separates a signal inputtedto the signal terminal into a data signal for writing and a triggersignal for controlling the switching means, and the ROM writer includesan interface including means that can be connected to the interface andoutputs a synthesized data signal, which is obtained by synthesizing thedata signal for writing and the trigger signal for controlling theswitching means, to the signal terminal when the means is connected tothe interface.
 32. An electrical apparatus constituting the writingmethod according to claim 31, wherein the separating means includes alow-pass filter and the switching means includes a flip-flop.
 33. A ROMwriter connected to the electrical apparatus according to claim 32,wherein the synthesized data signal is a logical product of the datasignal for writing and a clock signal.
 34. A ROM writer connected to theelectrical apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the synthesized datasignal is a signal in which a start bit signal and the data signal forwriting are arranged in this order.